1
|
Giri T, Maloney SE, Giri S, Goo YA, Song JH, Son M, Tycksen E, Conyers SB, Bice A, Ge X, Garbow JR, Quirk JD, Bauer AQ, Palanisamy A. Oxytocin-induced birth causes sex-specific behavioral and brain connectivity changes in developing rat offspring. iScience 2024; 27:108960. [PMID: 38327784 PMCID: PMC10847747 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite six decades of the use of exogenous oxytocin for management of labor, little is known about its effects on the developing brain. Motivated by controversial reports suggesting a link between oxytocin use during labor and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), we employed our recently validated rat model for labor induction with oxytocin to address this important concern. Using a combination of molecular biological, behavioral, and neuroimaging assays, we show that induced birth with oxytocin leads to sex-specific disruption of oxytocinergic signaling in the developing brain, decreased communicative ability of pups, reduced empathy-like behaviors especially in male offspring, and widespread sex-dependent changes in functional cortical connectivity. Contrary to our hypothesis, social behavior, typically impaired in ASDs, was largely preserved. Collectively, our foundational studies provide nuanced insights into the neurodevelopmental impact of birth induction with oxytocin and set the stage for mechanistic investigations in animal models and prospective longitudinal clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tusar Giri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Susan E. Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Saswat Giri
- Graduate Student, School of Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Young Ah Goo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center (MTAC), McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jong Hee Song
- Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center (MTAC), McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Minsoo Son
- Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center (MTAC), McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center (GTAC), McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sara B. Conyers
- Department of Psychiatry, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Annie Bice
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xia Ge
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joel R. Garbow
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - James D. Quirk
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adam Q. Bauer
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Arvind Palanisamy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Giri T, Jiang J, Xu Z, McCarthy R, Halabi CM, Tycksen E, Cahill AG, England SK, Palanisamy A. Labor induction with oxytocin in pregnant rats is not associated with oxidative stress in the fetal brain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3143. [PMID: 35210555 PMCID: PMC8873427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of oxytocin for induction of labor, mechanistic insights into fetal/neonatal wellbeing are lacking because of the absence of an animal model that recapitulates modern obstetric practice. Here, we create and validate a hi-fidelity pregnant rat model that mirrors labor induction with oxytocin in laboring women. The model consists of an implantable preprogrammed microprocessor-controlled infusion pump that delivers a gradually escalating dose of intravenous oxytocin to induce birth at term gestation. We validated the model with molecular biological experiments on the uterine myometrium and telemetry-supported assessment of changes in intrauterine pressure. Finally, we applied this model to test the hypothesis that labor induction with oxytocin would be associated with oxidative stress in the newborn brain. Analysis of biomarkers of oxidative stress and changes in the expression of associated genes were no different between oxytocin-exposed and saline-treated pups, suggesting that oxytocin-induced labor was not associated with oxidative stress in the developing brain. Collectively, we provide a viable and realistic animal model for labor induction and augmentation with oxytocin that would enable new lines of investigation related to the impact of perinatal oxytocin exposure on the mother-infant dyad.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tusar Giri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jia Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ronald McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Carmen M Halabi
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alison G Cahill
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sarah K England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Arvind Palanisamy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van Winden T, Klumper J, Kleinrouweler CE, Tichelaar MA, Naaktgeboren CA, Nijman TA, van Baar AL, van Wassenaer-Leemhuis AG, Roseboom TJ, Van't Hooft J, Roos C, Mol BW, Pajkrt E, Oudijk MA. Effects of tocolysis with nifedipine or atosiban on child outcome: follow-up of the APOSTEL III trial. BJOG 2020; 127:1129-1137. [PMID: 32124520 PMCID: PMC7384124 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the long-term effects of tocolysis with nifedipine or atosiban on child outcome at age 2.5-5.5 years. DESIGN The APOSTEL III trial was a multicentre randomised controlled trial that compared tocolysis with nifedipine or atosiban in 503 women with threatened preterm birth. Neonatal outcomes did not differ between both treatment arms, except for a higher incidence of intubation in the atosiban group. METHODS Parents were asked to complete four questionnaires regarding neurodevelopment, executive function, behaviour problems and general health. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main long-term outcome measure was a composite of abnormal development at the age of 2.5-5.5 years. RESULTS Of the 426 women eligible for follow-up, 196 (46%) parents returned the questionnaires for 115 children in the nifedipine group and 110 children in the atosiban group. Abnormal development occurred in 32 children (30%) in the nifedipine group and in 38 children (38%) in the atosiban group (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.41-1.34). The separate outcomes for neurodevelopment, executive function, behaviour, and general health showed no significant differences between the groups. Sensitivity analysis for all children of the APOSTEL III trial, including a comparison of deceased children, resulted in a higher rate of healthy survival in the nifedipine group (64 versus 54%), but there was no significant difference in the overall mortality rate (5.4 versus 2.7%). There were no significant subgroup effects. CONCLUSION Outcomes on broad child neurodevelopment, executive function, behaviour and general health were comparable in both groups. Neither nifedipine nor atosiban can be considered as the preferred treatment for women with threatened preterm birth. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Nifedipine- and atosiban-exposed children had comparable long-term outcomes, including neurodevelopment, executive function and behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tms van Winden
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Klumper
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C E Kleinrouweler
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M A Tichelaar
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C A Naaktgeboren
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - T A Nijman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - A L van Baar
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A G van Wassenaer-Leemhuis
- Paediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T J Roseboom
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Van't Hooft
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Roos
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - B W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - E Pajkrt
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M A Oudijk
- Obstetrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lamont RF, Jørgensen JS. Safety and Efficacy of Tocolytics for the Treatment of Spontaneous Preterm Labour. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:577-592. [PMID: 30931850 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190329124214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is the major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Attempts to reduce the burden may be proactive using biochemical or biophysical prediction and preventative measures. If these efforts fail, then the approach may have to be reactive using tocolytics to inhibit spontaneous preterm labour. OBJECTIVE We have reviewed the evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of various classes of tocolytic agents. RESULTS The evidence to support the use of magnesium sulfate or nitric oxide donors as a tocolytic is poor. Compared to placebo or no treatment, there is evidence to support the efficacy of calcium channel blockers (mainly nifedipine), prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (mainly indomethacin and sulindac), oxytocin receptor antagonists (mainly atosiban) and β2-agonists (mainly ritodrine, terbutaline, salbutamol and fenoterol). Maternal safety concerns have reduced the use of β2-agonists. Fetal safety and gestational age restrictions have largely condemned prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors to second-line therapy. First-line therapy in Europe and other parts of the world outside the USA and Australia is limited to calcium channel blockers and oxytocin receptor antagonists. With respect to efficacy, atosiban and nifedipine are similar, but the robustness of the evidence favours atosiban. With respect to safety, atosiban is clearly the safest tocolytic as there are fetomaternal concerns with nifedipine, particularly in high daily doses. CONCLUSION The perfect tocolytic that is uniformly effective and safe does not exist. Cost, licensing and informed consent are considerations involved in the choice. Efforts continue to develop and introduce other or better agents, including novel compounds such as progesterone, PGF2α antagonists and statins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald F Lamont
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Division of Surgery, Northwick Park Institute of Medical Research Campus, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan S Jørgensen
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hirayama T, Hiraoka Y, Kitamura E, Miyazaki S, Horie K, Fukuda T, Hidema S, Koike M, Itakura A, Takeda S, Nishimori K. Oxytocin induced labor causes region and sex-specific transient oligodendrocyte cell death in neonatal mouse brain. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2019; 46:66-78. [PMID: 31746074 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Previous reports showed associations between oxytocin induced labor and mental disorders in offspring. However, those reports are restricted in epidemiological analyses and its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that induced labor directly causes brain damage in newborns and results in the development of mental disorders. Therefore we aimed to investigate this hypothesis with animal model. METHODS The animal model of induced labor was established by subcutaneous oxytocin administration to term-pregnant C57BL/6J mice. We investigated the neonatal brain damage with evaluating immediate early gene expression (c-Fos, c-Jun and JunB) by quantitative polymerase reaction and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining. To investigate the injured brain cell types, we performed double-immunostaining with TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining and each brain component specific protein, such as Oligo2, NeuN, GFAP and Iba1. RESULTS Brain damage during induced labor led to cell death in specific brain regions, which are implicated in mental disorders, in only male offspring at P0. Furthermore, oligodendrocyte precursors were selectively vulnerable compared to the other cell types. This oligodendrocyte-specific impairment during the perinatal period led to an increased numbers of Olig2-positive cells at P5. Expression levels of oxytocin and Oxtr in the fetal brain were not affected by the oxytocin administered to mothers during induced labor. CONCLUSION Oligodendrocyte cell death in specific brain regions, which was unrelated to the oxytocin itself, was caused by induced labor in only male offspring. This may be an underlying mechanism explaining the human epidemiological data suggesting an association between induced labor and mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Hirayama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiraoka
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Kitamura
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Miyazaki
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kengo Horie
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Fukuda
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering and Molecular Genetics, Iwate University Faculty of Science and Engineering, Morioka, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masato Koike
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
The inflammatory event of birth: How oxytocin signaling may guide the development of the brain and gastrointestinal system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100794. [PMID: 31560883 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of oxytocin (OT) as a neuropeptide that modulates social behavior has been extensively studied and reviewed, but beyond these functions, OT's adaptive functions at birth are quite numerous, as OT coordinates many physiological processes in the mother and fetus to ensure a successful delivery. In this review we explore in detail the potential adaptive roles of oxytocin as an anti-inflammatory, protective molecule at birth for the developing fetal brain and gastrointestinal system based on evidence that birth is a potent inflammatory/immune event. We discuss data with relevance for a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as the emerging role of the gut-brain axis for health and disease. Finally, we discuss the potential relevance of sex differences in OT signaling present at birth in the increased male vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Collapse
|
7
|
Friedlander E, Yirmiya N, Laiba E, Harel-Gadassi A, Yaari M, Feldstein O, Mankuta D, Israel S. Cumulative Risk of the Oxytocin Receptor Gene Interacts with Prenatal Exposure to Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist to Predict Children's Social Communication Development. Autism Res 2019; 12:1087-1100. [PMID: 31025834 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Compelling evidence for the far-reaching role of oxytocin (OT) in social cognition and affiliative behaviors set the basis for examining the association between genetic variation in the OT receptor (OXTR) gene and risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the current study, gene-environment interaction between OXTR and prenatal exposure to either OT or OXTR antagonist (OXTRA) in predicting early social communication development was examined. One hundred and fifty-three children (age: M = 4.32, SD = 1.07) were assigned to four groups based on prenatal history: children whose mothers prenatally received OXTRA and Nifedipine to delay preterm labor (n = 27); children whose mothers received Nifedipine only to delay preterm labor (n = 35); children whose mothers received OT for labor augmentation (n = 56), and a no intervention group (n = 35). Participants completed a developmental assessment of intelligence quotient (IQ), adaptive behavior, and social communication abilities. DNA was extracted via buccal swab. A genetic risk score was calculated based on four OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs53576, rs237887, rs1042778, and rs2254298) previously reported to be associated with ASD symptomatology. OXTRrisk-allele dosage was associated with more severe autism diagnostics observation schedule (ADOS) scores only in the OXTRA group. In contrast, in the Nifedipine, OT, and no intervention groups, OXTRrisk-allele dosage was not associated with children's ADOS scores. These findings highlight the importance of both genetic and environmental pathways of OT in signaling early social development and raise the need for further research in this field. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1087-1100. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: In the current study, we examined if the association between prenatal exposure to an oxytocin receptor antagonist (OXTRA) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) related impairments are dependent on an individual's genetic background for the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). Children who carried a greater number of risk alleles for the OXTR gene and whose mothers received OXTRA to delay preterm labor showed more ASD-related impairments. The results highlight the importance of both genetic and environmental pathways of oxytocin in shaping early social development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwa Friedlander
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nurit Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Efrat Laiba
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Maya Yaari
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ohad Feldstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Mankuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Ein-Kerem University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Salomon Israel
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Scheinfeld Center of Human Genetics for the Social Sciences, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guastella AJ, Cooper MN, White CRH, White MK, Pennell CE, Whitehouse AJO. Does perinatal exposure to exogenous oxytocin influence child behavioural problems and autistic-like behaviours to 20 years of age? J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59:1323-1332. [PMID: 29701247 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide and hormone oxytocin is known to have a significant impact on social cognition and behaviour in humans. There is growing concern regarding the influence of exogenous oxytocin (OT) administration in early life on later social and emotional development, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). No study has examined offspring development in relation to the dose of exogenous oxytocin administered during labour. METHODS Between 1989 and 1992, 2,900 mothers were recruited prior to the 18th week of pregnancy, delivering 2,868 live offspring. The Child Behaviour Checklist was used to measure offspring behavioural difficulties at ages 5, 8, 10, 14 and 17 years. Autism spectrum disorder was formally diagnosed by consensus of a team of specialists. At 20 years, offspring completed a measure of autistic-like traits, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Oxytocin exposure prior to birth was analysed using categorical and continuous approaches (maternal oxytocin dose) with univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. RESULTS Categorical analyses of oxytocin exposure prior to birth demonstrated no group differences in any measures of child behaviour. A small in magnitude dose-response association was observed for clinically significant total behaviour symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, p < .01). Exogenous oxytocin administration prior to birth was not associated with ASD (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.15-2.12, p = .46) or high levels of autistic-like traits (p = .93), as assessed by the AQ. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to investigate longitudinal mental health outcomes associated with the use of oxytocin-based medications during labour. The results do not provide evidence to support the theory that exogenous OT has a clinically significant negative impact on the long-term mental health of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Guastella
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matt N Cooper
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Christopher R H White
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Melanie K White
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Craig E Pennell
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oxytocin alters cell fate selection of rat neural progenitor cells in vitro. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191160. [PMID: 29346405 PMCID: PMC5773179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic oxytocin (sOT) is widely used during labor, yet little is known about its effects on fetal brain development despite evidence that it reaches the fetal circulation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sOT would affect early neurodevelopment by investigating its effects on neural progenitor cells (NPC) from embryonic day 14 rat pups. NPCs expressed the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), which was downregulated by 45% upon prolonged treatment with sOT. Next, we examined the effects of sOT on NPC death, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation using antibodies to NeuN (neurons), Olig2 (oligodendrocytes), and GFAP (astrocytes). Treated NPCs were analysed with unbiased high-throughput immunocytochemistry. Neither 6 nor 24 h exposure to 100 pM or 100 nM sOT had an effect on viability as assessed by PI or CC-3 immunocytochemistry. Similarly, sOT had negligible effect on NPC proliferation, except that the overall rate of NPC proliferation was higher in the 24 h compared to the 6 h group regardless of sOT exposure. The most significant finding was that sOT exposure caused NPCs to select a predominantly neuronal lineage, along with a concomitant decrease in glial cells. Collectively, our data suggest that perinatal exposure to sOT can have neurodevelopmental consequences for the fetus, and support the need for in vivo anatomical and behavioral studies in offspring exposed to sOT in utero.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lamont RF, Jørgensen JS. Oxytocin-receptor antagonists in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder. Early Hum Dev 2017; 112:60-61. [PMID: 28522143 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald F Lamont
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark; Division of Surgery, University College London, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research Campus, London, UK.
| | - Jan Stener Jørgensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|